Timing Chain Noise

[my88ga]

I was wondering if the year of GA I have if its supposed to make timing chain noise? It doesnt affect the power at all. It's just a little noisy. Does it need new guides or is this a normal noise for the 88 since I know its the first year for the Quad 4. From what I understand from the original owner this car has always made this noise I was just wondering if there was a way I could stop/reduce the noise without a lot of work. The car only has 90,500 miles on it and it runs like almost new. Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks
~J~

[Brad97GS]

How noisy is it? Does it overwhelm the rest of the engine noise? They really aren't supposed to make much noise, but you can get away with it being somewhat noisy for a little while. To get rid of the noise, you'd probably need to buy a timing chain kit (with guides and a new tensioner) and replace the whole thing.

[RomeoGAOC]

my 89 started making noise from that area. But it turned out that it was a combination of the timing chain (which was ready to snap off at any moment) and the water pump. The pump was making the majority of the noise tho.

[my88ga]

Thanks for the replies. When at an idle you can barly hear the engine. Once you get going you can hear it. I have heard from the original owner that it has made the noise ever since it was taken off of the lot. I am sure it needs the chain done because of the milage and it has never been done to my knowlege. It just sounds like it is hitting the guides. I have looked at it and the chain looks good but there are a lot of guides and some slop in the chain. How tight are the chains supposed to be? It seems a little loose to me, but I am not sure how it is supposed to be. I am going to buy a timing chain set anyways just to get it done.

Thanks.

[brandon350]

mine was pretty noisey, mine was quite noticable when it was idling, when I took it apart the chain was rattling around and hitting the timing chain housing was wearing the alluminum pretty bad, lucky I caught it in time before it wore through

[Brad97GS]

Ahh yes, I forgot to mention that. I have heard of a few timing chains wearing a hole into the housing because it got so bad. I think that's somewhat rare, probably because the noise annoys people so much that they fix it before the hole wears through...

[my88ga]

I am going to get a new timing chain set and get the thing changed before I have any serious problems on my hands (bent valves etc.). I have also heard that it can be worn guides inside the timing cover. I have had the cover off and the chain and everything else looked good, but for my own sanity I am going to get it taken care of when I get paid. I just will have to consult the old Chiltons to make sure I do it right!

[Brad97GS]

I've never done the job myself, but I do know that you need to have the chain lined up EXACTLY or the car will not run right. Good luck! :)

[my88ga]

I figured I would probabily just call some shops and find out how much it would cost to have a machanic do the job so I don't screw it up. Besides I don't like messing with timing chains/belts on interfearance engines like this one. The timing noise has started to quiet down so I am not too worried about it now. Don't know why it is quieting down, I figure it is wearing into the guides. All the same I feel it should be changed here pretty soon anyways. Before I got the car it sat for a while so I figure it might have to do with that fact.

Thanks.